Mount Hillyer

Mount Hillyer

Location: Angeles National Forest, Los Angeles County, CA
Miles: 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 3 hours
Users: Hikers, dogs, horses, and mountain bikes permitted. No wheelchair access.

Features: Mount Hillyer, Silver Moccasin National Recreation Trail, Horse Flats Campground, Mount Hillyer Trail, mountain views

Mount Hillyer is one of the easiest summits to reach in the high country of the San Gabriel Mountains.

The shortest route to the summit is hiking 1.33 miles up Mount Hillyer Trail from Horse Flats Campground. For a longer hike, start from a trailhead between the Chilao Visitor Center and Chilao Campground, and hike 1.25 miles up Silver Moccasin Trail to get to Horse Flats Campground.

If you decide to camp in the night, you may come across a clearing on the right at Mount Hillyer Trail that would be a good spot for backpackers to set camp.

It might be hard for you to tell when you’ve reached the summit since the high point doesn’t really distinguish itself by rising far above the rest of the mountain. But, you can see a long ridge that runs across Mount Hillyer that crowns at the summit.

Top 3 Adventure Hacks

1) Bring a sleeping bag

If you do stay the night for camp, bring along a sleeping bag for extra comfort and warmth.

2) Wear comfortable clothing

6 miles may be too long for some, so better wear something comfortable and durable when you take this trail.

3) Bring snacks

3 hours is a long time for a few, stay energized with a packed meal and be sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.